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Super October 2019

Hair/mu Artist canceled day before trial-won’t refund deposit

Andrea, on June 28, 2019 at 9:57 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 12

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I live about 2 hours from my venue. It takes a lot of planning ahead of time for me to make my way over there. I hired a woman to do a hair and makeup trial via FB. She seemed great. She charged a $50 deposit and did tell me it was non-refundable. I scheduled her to come to my father’s home in the town we are getting married in tomorrow morning. She texted this morning and asked to reschedule because she is sick. I can’t reschedule because I am traveling for 2 weeks and then have my bridal shower. I’m not free until August. Here’s the thing-she is the 3rd hair/MU artist to cancel the day before. I really am concerned about her actually showing up to my wedding. I told her I wasn’t interested in rescheduling and asked for my deposit. She told me no. I told her that the deposit was paid with the understanding that she would show up at the day and time that we agreed upon and perform the services she agreed to. She still refused. I know there is nothing I can do to get my money back, but I am really tempted to post an honest review of what happened on the pages she advertises on to let others know about my experience. It would be straight facts with no snark. I have 2 questions.

1. Is she justified in keeping the deposit?
2. Would you post anything?

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12 Comments

Latest activity by Andrea, on June 28, 2019 at 1:31 PM

Devoted November 2019
Nicole · on June 28, 2019 at 10:05 AM
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I mean, I wouldn't want someone doing my hair and makeup if they're sick...
Do you have a contract that outlines in what situations the deposit would be refunded? Or what happens if there is some reason she cannot make it to your wedding?
Personally I think she's justified in keeping the deposit since she is trying to reschedule for another date. The services will still be performed, she can't help that she's sick and that you've had 2 other HMUAs cancel on you. Being sick happens.
May I ask, why can't you reschedule for August?
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Super October 2019
Andrea · on June 28, 2019 at 10:09 AM
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I can definitely see where her logic is with that. I can’t reschedule until mid-August due to work. I’m really apprehensive to reschedule because I’ve scheduled trials for the past 3 weekends and had all 3 makeup artists tell me they’re sick the day before. It just makes me nervous to hire someone who can’t show up to the trial. I get that they’re sick, but it’s just happening a bit too much. I’m probably wrong, but have heard so many horror stories about people not showing up and brides having to scramble last minute.
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Expert June 2019
MrsJohansson · on June 28, 2019 at 10:10 AM
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Why can't you meet with her in August? You don't have 1 day off? She would be entitled to keep it because you are not willing to work with her on a new date. Don't post anything.. she got sick. It's not her fault you have had bad luck before her and it sounds like she is trying to make things work somehow.
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VIP October 2020
Kelly · on June 28, 2019 at 10:15 AM
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She said it was nonrefundable and do you really want germs on you?
I agree it sucks and it's weird they all got sick but bugs spread fast. You just gotta move on in my opinion
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Super October 2019
Andrea · on June 28, 2019 at 10:18 AM
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You’re right. Lesson learned. Here’s the thing about everyone getting sick-I work everyday with children and none of the kids in my school are sick. When there is a big going around-all the kids pass it around like wild fire. It just made me suspect they were canceling for other reasons and using illness as an excuse. Again, I could be completely wrong. I’m certainly not trying to be petty.
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Devoted November 2019
Nicole · on June 28, 2019 at 10:19 AM
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I'd definitely encourage you to check your contract for information on what happens if your HMUA cannot make it on the day of your wedding. Every independent vendor should have this clause, and if they do not you should ask for it. In writing.
You will run into this fear with pretty much every HMUA you try to hire otherwise.
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on June 28, 2019 at 10:53 AM
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1. Did you sign a contract or anything saying it would be refunded?
2. I'd post a review for sure, and in the future I'd find vendors with true businesses on places like Wedding Wire, The Knot, etc. and not Facebook.
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Super October 2019
Andrea · on June 28, 2019 at 10:55 AM
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There was no contract. I’ve never had a contract with a hair or makeup artist before for any formal event I’ve needed them for. My mistake. I’ll definitely make sure that I don’t make the mistake again.
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VIP January 2019
Maggie · on June 28, 2019 at 11:35 AM
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She didn't cancel. She tried to reschedule for a completely understandable reason. It's your choice to lose your non-refundable deposit due to not being willing to reschedule. Please don't leave her a negative review based on the situation you posted about because she has done nothing wrong.
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Champion December 2017
earias · on June 28, 2019 at 12:58 PM
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She hasn't canceled on you so at this point you have no justifiable reason to get your deposit back. She is trying to work with you and reschedule. Also, there are other ways to be sick so your suspicions are not well founded.
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Master 0000
Judith · on June 28, 2019 at 1:25 PM
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You paid a deposit to reserve her services. If you cancel, it is not refundable. If she does, she must refund it. The only recourse that won't require a lawyer's fee or a small claims court, if to go to the police department in the town where she operates her business. File a complaint that she is running a scam, charging deposits then canceling with no refund. Great way to make money without delivering any services. I was advised to do this when a photographer did not show for a professional group's pictures, cancelled. The police called, politely informed her that for her to have a policy of not refunding when She cancels, is a scam. Deposits may only be kept if customer defaults. Will she refund the money, or do they need to send an officer to her business to talk to her and do a follow up to the complaint they received? They handled it beautifully. This is not a grey area. Pretty clear cut.
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Super October 2019
Andrea · on June 28, 2019 at 1:31 PM
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I’m definitely not wanting to involve police. I’m just going to take it as a lesson learned. I’ll never pay a deposit again without a contract. It’s definitely not the way I’d conduct my business, but to each his own. Thanks everyone.
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Hair/mu Artist canceled day before trial-won’t refund deposit

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